skirt around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skirt around" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used to indicate avoiding something, either a problem or a topic of conversation. For example, "The group skirted around the issue of upcoming budget cuts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You skirt around some etiquette.

The Guardian - Money

We don't tend to skirt around the bush.

The New York Times - Sports

He didn't skirt around racism or sexism, either.

The Guardian

We might be able to skirt around it.

The New York Times

And young people need to be educated in a way that doesn't skirt around the issue.

Independent

Spirits skirt around the Guaranty Trust Company & come in across the parking lot.

The New Yorker

Slide under the wreck, crash through it, or skirt around the side?

The New Yorker

It's easy to fit, thanks to the elasticated skirt around the edge.

Independent

'Well, we must hurry on, pass over or skirt around that word.

The Guardian - Books

They impassively skirt around dog shit and don't flinch at sirens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I knew birth had to be part of that; I didn't want to skirt around it.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skirt around" when you want to describe avoiding a topic delicately, rather than confronting it directly. Consider the nuance – is it strategic avoidance or simple evasion?

Common error

Be careful not to use "skirt around" when you actually mean to convey a sense of directly confronting or addressing an issue. The phrase implies avoidance, not engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "skirt around" is as a phrasal verb. It functions to express the action of avoiding or evading something, whether it be a physical object, a topic, or a responsibility. Ludwig confirms that the expression is appropriate in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "skirt around" effectively conveys the act of avoiding a topic or situation, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, including news and media. When choosing to use "skirt around", consider whether you truly mean to imply avoidance rather than direct engagement, and ensure it aligns with the intended tone. As Ludwig AI confirmed, this phrase is appropriate in a variety of contexts, offering writers a versatile option for describing strategic evasion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

avoid the topic

A more general term for not addressing something directly.

evade the issue

Implies active avoidance of a problem or topic, differing from simply going around it.

circumvent the problem

Focuses on finding a way around a difficulty or obstacle.

sidestep the question

Specifically refers to avoiding a direct answer to a question.

bypass the regulation

Implies finding a legal or technical way to avoid a rule.

dance around the subject

Suggests a playful or indirect way of avoiding a topic.

beat around the bush

Similar to dancing around the subject, but often implies a lack of directness.

pass over in silence

Avoiding a subject by not discussing it at all.

gloss over the details

Suggests minimizing or downplaying certain aspects of a situation.

hedge your bets

Involves taking actions to reduce the risk of loss or failure, often indirectly.

FAQs

How to use "skirt around" in a sentence?

You can use "skirt around" to describe avoiding a topic or problem. For example, "The politician tried to skirt around the controversial issue during the interview."

What can I say instead of "skirt around"?

You can use alternatives like "evade the issue", "sidestep the question", or "avoid the topic" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "skirt around" or "skirt the issue"?

"Skirt around" is the more common and idiomatic phrasing. While "skirt the issue" might be understood, it's not as widely used or accepted.

What's the difference between "skirt around" and "address directly"?

"Skirt around" implies avoidance of a topic or problem, while "address directly" means to confront or deal with it head-on. They are essentially opposites.